Celebrate the magic of winter on Mount Royal - Les Amis de la montagne launches its 2023-2024 winter programming

January 03 2024

Montréal, December 14, 2023 - Les Amis de la montagne is thrilled to announce the launch of their winter programming, with plenty of activities to help Montrealers of all ages enjoy 220 hectares of natural splendour in the heart of the city. This programming embraces Les Amis de la montagne’s dedication to preserve the natural beauty of Mount Royal, while also encouraging visitors to learn more about the environment as they participate in winter fun.

Renew your senses in nature, without leaving the city

For those seeking to experience Montreal’s landscapes from a new perspective, there are trails aplenty to explore on foot or with snowshoes. Our seasoned guides can accompany families, solo adventurers or even private groups into this winter wonderland, while sharing facts about local flora and fauna, and the importance of protecting this unique ecosystem.

Every Friday and Saturday night, there’s one of our most popular activities, By the Glow of the City Lights. This snowshoe tour of the mountain features breathtaking views and a magical nighttime ambience. Snowshoes and hot chocolate included. Kids will absolutely love our new family tour, The Scoop on Poop, where they’ll learn about Mount Royal’s animals through the droppings they leave behind!

For lovers of the outdoors, our cross-country ski school is back with an expanded offer to keep pace with increased demand over the last few years. Whether you’re looking for group lessons or private sessions, all of our instructors are certified by Ski de fond Québec and ready to help skiers of all ages learn more about this great sport. Great news about private lessons too–this year, we have English instruction as well!

Equipment rental and café services

Les Amis also has a full equipment rental service for skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snow tubing, located in the Beaver Lake Pavilion. And since all those outdoor activities will build up an appetite, there are three locations of Café des Amis, where you can warm up and get a snack every day of the week. Get a cozy hot chocolate or even a full meal! You can also reserve a dining room for groups.

Bird watching and citizen science

The FeederWatch project makes a return this winter! Designed for amateur bird watchers, this North-American initiative seeks to track bird populations through a system of bird feeders. Montrealers can sign up as volunteer counters and contribute to this important citizen science project. You can count birds anytime, but you must complete the FeederWatch training first. For more information and to sign up, visit this page.

Cultural activities on the mountain

Art and culture continues to blossom, even in winter. Montrealers can visit Smith House any day of the week, between 9AM and 5PM, to visit The Thousand Faces of Mount Royal: Olmsted, The Visionary. This exhibition draws a clear parallel between the designer's vision for Mount Royal Park and the way the park's visitors see it, using photographs taken by the famed William Notman as well as Instagram captures from today. There’s also Paroles de paysages, a kiosk in the Mount Royal Chalet that’s open on Fridays and Saturdays to inform visitors about the mountain’s natural and cultural heritage, that is animated by Les Amis with financial support from the Ville de Montréal and the Ministère de la Culture et des Communications, as part of the Entente sur le développement culturel de Montréal.

For more information about Les Amis’ 2023-2024 winter programming, visit https://www.lemontroyal.qc.ca/en/public-programming. Join us in celebrating the winter season on Mount Royal and in contributing to the conservation of this unique natural treasure.

About Les Amis de la montagne

Founded in 1986, Les Amis de la montagne is a non-profit organization that protects, improves and promotes the sustainability of Mount Royal through advocacy, community involvement, environmental education, and stewardship. Our initiatives seek to make more informed decisions to ensure the sustainability of our mountain and make certain that Mount Royal is included in conversations about the development of Montréal.

About Mount Royal Park and Tiohtià:ke Otsira'kéhne Park

Mount Royal Park and Tiohtià:ke Otsira'kéhne Park are two iconic parts of the Mount Royal heritage site. Activities and services provided by Les Amis de la montagne contribute to promotion of the mountain’s natural and cultural heritage.

Activities organised by Les Amis de la montagne in Mount Royal Park are offered thanks to an agreement with the City of Montréal.